China has low proven oil reserves(per capita). Obviously they have some, it is a big country. They are also using shitload of oil. It isnt about how much you have, it is about how much you have in comparison to how much you need. Check oil imports by country. They are importing 2x+ more oil than they produce.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_oil_imports
But the main issue isnt that they are importing oil, almost everyone is importing oil. The main issue is that their oil imports might be vulnerable if they decide to invade Taiwan and the US blockades the Strait of Malacca. And taking over Taiwan is a major priority for the current chinese administration. In 3-5 years, things will start getting pretty hot.
Only until the mid 90s that it became a net importer of oil.
Yes, because thats when they embraced capitalism, opened to the global market, WTO, etc. What followed was a massive industrialization of the country(actual industry, instead of farmers melting pots in their backyards), hence the demand for oil skyrocketed.
The Gulf War was about kicking Iraq out of Kuwait, after Iraq invaded. It had a wide support, both worldwide and within the Arab world. Saudi Arabia and Egypt actively participated.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War
Check the coalition drop down.